Can Debris Cause Problems with a Storm Drain?

Storm drains are highly beneficial for clearing storm water from streets, sidewalks, lawns and other areas in residential and urban environments. Storm water is considered to be any water from precipitation that then flows across the ground and pavement when it rains, or the water that runs off of melting snow and ice. While much of this water will seep down into the ground, it will also drain into storm sewers, which you’ll find at street corners or in low points on the sides of streets.

Most of the time, these drains are fully capable of handling the water that flows into them, though there are some cases in which the drains can have a hard time keeping up with extreme amounts of rainfall, resulting in some street flooding. The biggest problem that tends to exist with these drains is when they become clogged up with debris, dirt, chemicals or other types of pollutants that get dragged into the drains along with the water flowing into them. This storm water (and everything it carries with it) flows through a system of pipes and ditches that makes up our municipal sewer systems, and the water eventually flows to streams, rivers, lakes or coastal waters.

Communities work to prevent storm water pollution through storm water management programs, which address pollution that comes from new development and construction, as well as illegal dumping. But it’s also important to consider what you can do individually to prevent debris from becoming an issue in these storm drains, both for environmental purposes as well as for practical ones, so we can put a stop to preventable flooding.

Here are some of the most important steps that can be taken to prevent storm water pollution and clogging of the drains (and assist our septic service in Bethel, OH in the process):

  • Picking up pet waste: You should always pick up after your pets and properly dispose of the waste, no matter where it leaves its droppings. Storm water runoff can carry pet waste quite a distance, and you don’t want it getting into the storm water drains.
  • Proper use of lawn care products: Make sure you use pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides properly, and avoid using them in excess, so you can prevent runoff of these products from getting into the storm water.
  • Report discharge in dry weather: If you notice discharges from storm water outfalls during dry periods of weather, this could be a sign that there’s a problem somewhere in the storm sewer system, so it’s a good idea to report this to the proper authorities.
  • Store materials properly: Store any materials that could potentially pollute the storm water properly in indoor environments, and if you must store certain materials outdoors, make sure to use containers that will not rust or leak.
  • Remove yard waste: After mowing your lawn or trimming bushes or trees, make sure you bag up or otherwise properly remove your yard waste and take it to your local collection facility to prevent it from finding its way into the drains. You should also do this with any leaves you collect from raking during the fall.

Gullett Sanitation Services Inc. partners with the city of Bethel for storm drain maintenance. For more tips, contact our septic service in Bethel, OH today.

Leave a Reply